Leon County Schools announced that Julie Lawson was not reappointed as principal and that Nikki Bradley would lead the Midtown elementary school beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The district did not publicly detail the findings at the time of the personnel change, but confirmed the decision followed an internal investigation.

According to reporting by the Tallahassee Democrat, the investigation centered on the school’s handling of an incident involving a student and examined whether administrators followed district policies for reporting, documenting and communicating with parents. The investigation also reviewed allegations involving Lawson’s treatment of employees who raised concerns about school operations.

The investigation concluded Lawson failed to comply with several district policies, including timely parental notification and appropriate administrative procedures following the incident. The report also detailed allegations of retaliation against employees who reported concerns.

Leon County Schools has not publicly released the complete investigative report, citing personnel confidentiality requirements under Florida law. The district has also not announced whether Lawson resigned or whether additional disciplinary action was taken beyond her removal as principal.

Lawson became principal of Kate Sullivan Elementary in 2021 after serving as an assistant principal in Leon County Schools. During her tenure, she was recognized by the district and community organizations for her leadership and school improvement efforts.

Kate Sullivan Elementary, one of Tallahassee’s oldest neighborhood schools, serves approximately 725 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Nikki Bradley assumed leadership of the school following the district’s decision not to reappoint Lawson.

During a comprehensive presentation, David Solz, Director of School Improvement and Accountability, reported that Leon County saw proficiency increases across every core subject area. English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rose by 4% district-wide, while math scores saw a significant 5-point gain in grades 3-5. Science scores were particularly strong, increasing by 5 points across all levels and placing the district 7 points above the state average in Biology.

“I have never been more proud of our school district,” said Superintendent Rocky Hanna, noting the achievements of staff and students alike. “We’re point twenty-five. Point 25 away from an A”.

The individual school results were equally striking, with 85% of schools (33 out of 39) either maintaining or improving their letter grade. The district now boasts 28 schools rated “A” or “B,” the highest number since 2012. Notable highlights included:

• Bond Elementary earned the first “A” in the school’s history, with historic growth for its bottom 25% of students (88% in reading and 90% in math).
• Fairview Middle School jumped from a “C” to an “A”.
• Cobb Middle School and Sealy Elementary both secured “A” ratings.
• Griffin and Oak Ridge successfully exited “Differentiated Accountability” status.

Board members attributed the success to “intentional investments,” particularly in early learning and the introduction of the UFLI reading program. Board Member Jones remarked, “The proof has been in the pudding,” while highlighting the “full evolution” of the district’s budget investments in student preparation.

Comparing Leon County to similarly sized districts, Board Member Wood highlighted that Leon’s 72% performance metric significantly outpaced Alachua (59%), Bay (68%), and Escambia (63%). “That’s the kind of comparison we need to be making right there,” Wood said.

Board Member Smith added that the data serves as a powerful marketing tool for public education. “No matter what area of town you live in… you’re going to be successful in Leon County Schools,” Smith noted. Superintendent Hannah concluded that the district would “scream it from the mountain tops” to ensure the community recognizes these historic gains .

Matlow campaign manager Kristellys Estanga, who resigned on Friday amid the controversy, said she acted alone. However, the text messages tell a different story.

“We are Confused”

Thursday afternoon, hours after the “Tallahassee Conservatives” Facebook page had been activated, a social media post revealed the name of the Facebook page had been changed from “Pause the TMH Deal – Vote No on Dec 10” to “Tallahassee Conservatives”.

Following this revelation, Darryl Alfred, a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 texted Matlow campaign manager Estanga with a screen shot documenting the sudden name change of the Facebook page asking about the change.

Alfred texted, “Before I comment, wtf?”

Estanga replied: I have no idea. Idk how she got that supposed screen shot or how Jeremy’s name got on it. We looked everywhere from all angles and couldn’t find what she posted. And how it is linked to me is even more perplexing. Thanks for checking in before u comment. We are as confused as anyone. (Emphasis added)

Interestingly, Estanga’s response used “I” when referring to herself and “we” when referring to the campaign.

Estanga used “we” twice in describing the campaign’s efforts to figure out what was going on as more people on social media were discovering the Facebook page was fake.

These text messages are inconsistent with the Matlow campaign statement that Estanga acted alone. In addition, sources have told TR that the Matlow campaign had been discussing the political operation for weeks leading up to the Facebook page name change.

TR is gathering documents that show the seeds for the political operation began over a year ago, before Estanga was a part of the Matlow team.

Stay tuned for the documents as this investigation continues.

Estanga Text Message

Multiple sources have told TR that Kristellys Estanga, the campaign manager for the Matlow campaign, is the administrator of a Facebook page that was created and named “Pause the TMH Deal – Vote No on Dec 10”. Facebook records show that on July 23, 2026 the name of the page was changed to “Tallahassee Conservatives”.

In addition, documents indicate that the Jeremy Matlow campaign for City Commission ran political advertisements on posts tied to the Facebook account.

It appears that the purpose of the name change was to fool viewers into believing that conservatives were promoting the publication of damning information against a city commission seat 3 candidate, Talietha Edwards. Edwards is in a race with five other candidates, included PJ Perez, the progressive choice for the seat.

Officials with Tallahassee Alert Deny Involvement

The political shenanigans began to unfold this morning when the name of the Facebook page was changed from “Pause the TMH Deal – Vote No on Dec 10” to “Tallahassee Conservatives” on July 23., 2026. See image below.

After the name change, several administrators on the account received a message that their access to the Facebook account had been removed. This included multiple Tallahassee ALERT officials.

Tallahassee ALERT – a Black-led civic network committed to educating, organizing, and mobilizing our community to hold local leaders accountable – had been part of a coalition challenging the TMH deal, hence the original Facebook page name “Pause the TMH Deal on Dec 10”.

However, when the ALERT officials saw the current name of the Facebook page, “Tallahassee Conservatives”, they were confused.

Tallahassee ALERT officials became concerned when they realized there was information left visible on the page that tied the “Tallahassee Conservatives” page to Tallahassee ALERT. Tallahassee ALERT officials told TR they have nothing to do with what is being posted on the Facebook page today.

The Matlow Connection

At least three sources have told TR that Estanga is an administrator on the current “Tallahassee Conservatives” Facebook account. A review of documents show that Estanga is connected to Corsair Campaigns which has been paid $9,500 by the Matlow campaign. Financial reports also list Estanga as Matlow’s campaign manager.

A further Matlow connection to the Facebook account was discovered when it was revealed that the Matlow campaign ran Facebook ads under this account – when it was named “Pause the TMH Deal on Dec 10”. The Facebook process related to running political advertisements is detailed and transparent. The process requires authorization as an advertiser or admin in Facebook Business Manager for that page, indicating Matlow was close to the Facebook account administrators.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

During the forums, the candidates shared their positions on several important community issues. We start with these issues and finish with biographical information about each candidate.

The “Three-to-Two” Divide and Decorum

A major point of contention on the city commission is the persistent 3-2 split on the City Commission. Williams-Cox noted that while 5-0 votes often occur but go unreported, the 3-2 majority is what “keeps the train leaving the station,” allowing the city to pass balanced budgets and fund essential services.

Inman-Johnson argued stated the majority has the power to fix this divisiveness by being more open to the minority. Hill suggested the need for “civility and respect” and proposed using a mediator to work out differences privately rather than in public.

Succession and Administrative Oversight

Leadership styles were further contrasted with the candidates’ views on the City Manager and the timing of his replacement. Williams-Cox gave current City Manager Reese Goad an “A” grade for driving diversity and inclusion initiatives and the overall operation of the city. Hill and Johnson both issued a “D”, criticizing him for appearing to answer only to a specific majority of the commission rather than the entire body and the public.

Hill and Inman-Johnson argued that the next city manager should be selected after the November elections so the newly elected commission can establish its own culture. Williams-Cox maintains the current commission should “do our job until the end” and select the manager before the new officials are installed.

TMH Asset Transfer

The city recently voted to sell its stake in TMH to Florida State University (FSU) as part of a plan to create an academic medical center. The transaction sparked significant debate among the candidates regarding its value and process.

Dianne Williams-Cox described the sale as a “historic” achievement that would expand specialized healthcare access in North Florida. She emphasized that the city “slow walked” the process over a year to ensure transparency and provided educational resources to the public.

Dot Inman Johnson strongly opposed the process, claiming negotiations occurred behind “closed doors”. She argued that a major public asset was sold for “peanuts” without the city obtaining the appropriate appraisals.

Tiffany Hill expressed disappointment, citing a lack of completed documentation at the time of the sale, specifically mentioning “seventeen documents” that were still unsigned.

Capital City Country Club Sale

The commission’s decision to sell the golf course back to the Capital City Country Club drew sharp criticism from the challengers. The transaction put the course in private hands but required that the property remain a golf course.

Williams-Cox stated the sale was in the city’s best interest because the city was paying to maintain grounds it did not fully own, such as the field house, pool, and tennis courts. In addition, the property would yield property tax revenue.

Inman-Johnson noted that the city had leased the land to the club for a dollar a year for decades before selling it for “almost nothing”. She also raised concerns that a development company is now planning to build on the site. Inman-Johnson highlighted the discovery of slave graves on the property, arguing that the land should have been set aside and memorialized. Williams-Cox noted that the cemetery area has been memorialized and remains under city control.

Hill added that residents have been fighting against these investors, fearing the area will be turned into a “concrete jungle”.

Candidate Biographies

Dianne Williams-Cox

A lifelong Tallahassee resident, Williams-Cox has built her career in education, business and public service. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Before joining the commission, she spent decades working in higher education administration and community engagement while serving on numerous nonprofit and civic boards.

The commissioner has consistently advocated for strategic economic development, arguing that attracting new employers and supporting small businesses are essential to broadening Tallahassee’s tax base and creating higher-paying jobs. She has also highlighted the importance of investing in youth programs, neighborhood safety and infrastructure improvements.

At candidate forums, she has emphasized balancing fiscal responsibility with investments in public services, while maintaining that Tallahassee should continue pursuing sustainable growth that benefits all residents.

Dot Inman-Johnson

Former Tallahassee Mayor Dot Inman-Johnson is attempting a return to elected office by challenging incumbent Dianne Williams-Cox. Inman-Johnson became Tallahassee’s first African American woman elected to the City Commission, serving from 1984 to 1994, including a term as mayor. She narrowly lost a bid for another commission seat in 2024 before entering the 2026 race.

At candidate forums, Inman-Johnson has said the city must encourage responsible economic growth while carefully managing taxpayer dollars. She advocates listening more closely to residents and strengthening communication between city government and neighborhoods. Her campaign also highlights the need to support small businesses and create opportunities that help residents build long-term financial stability.

Inman-Johnson says her decades of civic involvement and previous service on the commission make her well prepared to address today’s challenges. She is asking voters to return her to City Hall by emphasizing her experience, historical perspective and commitment to community-centered leadership.

Tiffany Hill

Business owner Tiffany Hill is making her first bid for elected office as a candidate for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5. Hill entered the race in early 2026, presenting herself as a fresh voice focused on government accountability, economic opportunity and practical solutions to city challenges.

She says her experience operating a business has given her firsthand knowledge of the issues facing entrepreneurs and working families. During candidate forums, Hill has promoted greater transparency in city government and increased public engagement in major policy decisions.

She has encouraged city leaders to evaluate programs based on measurable outcomes and prioritize projects that deliver long-term value for taxpayers. As the only candidate in the race without previous experience on the City Commission, Hill argues that voters have an opportunity to bring a new perspective to City Hall.  Her campaign presents her as a pragmatic problem solver focused on accountability, economic growth and improving the quality of life for Tallahassee residents.

The candidates include Darryl Alfred Jr., Tom Derzypolski, Talethia O. Edwards, Maxwell Herrle, PJ Perez, and Norm Roche.

Political Background

While the Tallahassee City Commission seats are non-partisan, the candidates shared their personal party affiliations and political journeys during a recent forum.

Darryl Alfred said he is a registered Democrat. He mentioned being raised in a “vote blue no matter who” household but emphasized that he does not want to focus solely on party affiliations. Tom Derzypolski said he is a registered NPA (No Party Affiliation) . He stated that he chooses to be an NPA because he seeks the “best leadership for the moment” rather than following a specific party.

Norm Roche has been registered as an NPA for over a decade. His political journey included being a Democrat in his youth and then a Republican for approximately six years before deciding that parties serve themselves rather than the people.

Talethia Edwards said she is a registered Democrat and stated she has been one her entire life.

Max Herrle said he is a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and a believer in the power of unions and labor.

PJ Perez is currently a registered Democrat. He noted that he was an NPA for a long time while working as a teacher to maintain the trust of his students.

City Manager Reese Goad’s Tenure

The candidates’ evaluation of City Manager Reese Goad varied sharply. Norm Roche gave Goad an A-minus, whereas PJ Perez and Max Herrle gave him an F, with Perez citing his role in commission “divisiveness.”

Darryl Alfred assigned a D, stating residents do not feel he is accountable, while Tom Derzypolski gave a B-minus, partially crediting him for “incredible” city departments. Talethia Edwards declined to give a grade, citing a lack of direct experience working with him.

Stance on the Sale and Potential Impact of Hospital Assets

The candidates’ views on the actual transfer of assets ranged from cautious hope to direct opposition.

Norm Roche explicitly supported the idea, calling it a “good move” focused on improving healthcare delivery and costs.

Tom Derzypolski viewed the sale as a “pivot point” for the community to attract research and pharmaceutical jobs, though he remained displeased with the process.

Darryl Alfred remained hopeful because FSU has provided much for the community, and he wants to see the partnership expand healthcare access for underserved areas.

Max Herrle expressed a desire to believe in FSU’s ability to make TMH a world-class facility but emphasized that community trust must be rebuilt.

Talethia Edwards stated she is not in agreement with selling public property assets but acknowledged the vital importance of expanded healthcare services.

PJ Perez expressed fear regarding the loss of local control over healthcare and potential influence from the state government, urging that the under-insured must have a seat at the table.

The Sale of the City Golf Course

One of the most contentious issues was the city’s decision to sell the golf course to the Capital City Country Club.

Norm Roche supported the decision, arguing it was a good partnership that saved the city from

spending $30 million on upgrades and Talethia Edwards suggested that putting the property on the tax rolls could be beneficial.

Tom Derzypolski expressed strong criticism regarding the process used to sell the city golf course to the Capital City Country Club. He characterized the deal as part of a series of “backroom shenanigans” that lead the public to question city leadership and bring distrust to the process.

Darryl Alfred stated the sale “sickens” him, arguing it was rushed and undervalued while failing to respect the graves of people buried on the property.

Max Herrle asserted that the treatment of the site was racially motivated, stating that if the bodies were white, the city would never have sold the land.

PJ Perez characterized the future of the site as a “Tallahassee Mar-a-Lago” that would exclude the public.

Candidate Biographies

Darryl Alfred Jr. is campaigning on a message centered on neighborhood engagement, economic opportunity and quality-of-life improvements. A Tallahassee resident, Alfred

works as a Realtor and rideshare driver, saying those jobs have given him firsthand insight into the concerns of residents from across the city. He has described the conversations he has with passengers as informal “town halls” that shaped his decision to seek public office.

Alfred’s campaign focuses on practical solutions to issues affecting working families. He has identified affordable housing, transportation, neighborhood investment and support for local entrepreneurs among his top priorities.

Alfred has also spoken about increasing transparency at City Hall and making city government more responsive to residents. He argues that elected officials should spend more time listening to citizens before making major policy decisions.

Norm Roche brings decades of public service experience to the Seat 3 race. Roche is running after a career that includes service as a county commissioner in Pinellas County and leadership roles in business and public administration.

He entered the race saying his experience managing budgets and overseeing public services would provide a seasoned perspective on the Tallahassee City Commission. Roche has campaigned on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment and accountable government. He has argued that city leaders should carefully evaluate spending decisions while maintaining essential public services and investing in roads, utilities and other long-term infrastructure needs.

During candidate forums, Roche highlighted his previous elected experience, saying it has prepared

him to evaluate complex budgets, work collaboratively with colleagues and make difficult policy decisions. He has also stressed transparency and consistent communication with residents as key responsibilities of elected officials.

Tom Derzypolski brings a background in public relations and communications to the nonpartisan race. Derzypolski is the founder of a Tallahassee-based public relations firm and has said his professional experience helping organizations communicate and solve problems has prepared him for public office. When announcing his candidacy, he said he wanted to represent “real families, real challenges, and a city that works for all the people who live here.”

His campaign emphasizes government accountability, responsible growth and expanding economic opportunities. Derzypolski has said Tallahassee should focus on attracting higher-paying jobs, supporting small businesses and improving the city’s competitiveness while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

During candidate forums, Derzypolski discussed the importance of strategic economic development, including continued investment in Tallahassee International Airport as an economic asset.

Derzypolski has also stressed transparency in local government and improving communication between city leaders and residents. He says public officials should clearly explain policy decisions and provide opportunities for meaningful citizen input.

Talethia Edwards campaigns on community advocacy and neighborhood investment. Edwards has built her campaign around her experience as a community organizer and advocate. She has worked with neighborhood groups and civic organizations, saying those experiences have given her a strong understanding of the challenges facing families throughout Tallahassee.

Her campaign priorities include affordable housing, equitable economic development, improved public safety and expanding access to city services. Edwards has said local government should ensure that economic growth benefits all neighborhoods and that residents have a greater voice in decisions affecting their communities.

During candidate forums, Edwards discussed the importance of investing in neighborhoods while supporting economic development projects that create jobs and strengthen the city’s tax base. She has also emphasized collaboration between the City Commission, community organizations and residents to address housing costs, infrastructure and quality-of-life concerns.

Edwards has called for increased transparency in city government and believes stronger public engagement can improve trust between residents and elected officials.

Max Herrle campaigns on affordability, utility costs and government reform. Herrle has spent several years working in local politics and public policy. A political consultant and community advocate, Herrle has worked on campaigns for local elected officials and has been active in discussions involving neighborhood planning, transportation and city government.

Herrle’s campaign centers on making Tallahassee more affordable. He has made reducing city utility bills the cornerstone of his platform, arguing that residents face increasing financial pressures from housing, insurance and energy costs. He has proposed reviewing the city’s electric utility, reducing unnecessary spending and identifying efficiencies that could lower monthly bills for customers.

Beyond affordability, Herrle has advocated for expanding housing choices, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and increasing transparency in city government. He has said residents should have greater input on development decisions and believes public engagement should occur before major projects are approved.

During candidate forums, Herrle emphasized that Tallahassee should pursue economic growth while ensuring neighborhoods are protected and city investments produce long-term value. He has argued that local government should prioritize fiscal responsibility alongside infrastructure improvements and environmental stewardship.

PJ Perez focuses on neighborhoods, education and smart growth. Perez, a long-time educator, is running a campaign emphasizing public service, neighborhood investment and responsible growth.

Perez has taught in Leon County schools for more than 15 years, including at SAIL High School and Tallahassee Collegiate Academy. He moved to Tallahassee to attend college and chose to remain after beginning his teaching career, saying his experiences as an educator and parent inspired him to seek public office. His campaign priorities include affordable housing, transportation, environmental sustainability and increasing opportunities for working families.

Perez has argued that Tallahassee’s growth should be guided by long-term planning that protects established neighborhoods while encouraging economic development that benefits all residents. Perez has also emphasized improving public trust in city government through greater transparency and community engagement.

During public forums, Perez has discussed balancing economic development with environmental protection and maintaining Tallahassee’s quality of life. He has expressed support for attracting new businesses while ensuring city policies remain focused on affordability and sustainable growth.

The poll results were first reported by FloridaPolitics.com.

In a four-candidate ballot test, Ausley received 29% support, while Matlow followed closely at 24%, a five-point difference that falls within the poll’s stated margin of error. Attorney Daryl Parks placed third at 14%, and businessman Michael Shawn Foust trailed with 3%.

The survey also found that 31% of likely voters remain undecided, leaving the contest far from settled as the campaign continues.

The poll highlights a pronounced generational divide among voters. Matlow leads among voters younger than 30, while Ausley enjoys overwhelming support among the oldest voters. Nearly 47% of respondents age 70 and older backed Ausley, giving her a commanding advantage with that demographic.

With nearly one-third of voters still undecided, the race remains fluid heading toward the primary election. If no candidate gets over 50% in the primary, the top two vote getters will face off in November.

The promotions were announced during a ceremony recognizing the officers’ accomplishments and their expanded leadership responsibilities within the department.

Promoted to deputy chief were Calvin Bedenbaugh and Jeff Mahoney. Sonya Bush was promoted to major. The department also elevated five officers to the rank of captain: Charzetta Felton, Anitra Highland Simmonds, Zachary Lyne, Damon Miller Jr. and Laura Varble.

Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the promotions underscore the department’s commitment to developing future leaders.

“One of the most important responsibilities of today’s leaders is preparing future leaders,” Revell said. “These promotions reflect the depth of talent within our department and our commitment to developing leaders who are ready to guide this organization into the future. I hope every officer sees that there is a path to leadership through hard work, integrity and service.”

The promotions come as the City of Tallahassee implements a voluntary separation incentive program designed to reduce personnel costs and help address budget pressures. Approved by the City Commission in April, the program offers eligible full-time employees hired before the start of 2026 a choice between a $20,000 severance payment or 12 weeks of base pay, whichever is greater. Participants also receive city-paid health insurance through the end of the calendar year and payment for accrued leave.

City officials have said the program is intended to reduce personnel expenses by about 5% while allowing departments to reorganize and promote employees into leadership positions without reducing public services.

According to city records, 171 employees accepted the incentive package, exceeding the city’s initial projections. Those employees represented approximately 1,700 years of combined service and more than $12 million in annual salaries. The Tallahassee Police Department accounted for 21 of the voluntary departures, one of the highest totals among city departments.

Against that backdrop, the latest command staff promotions represent more than routine career advancement. They are part of a broader succession planning effort as the department replaces experienced personnel and prepares a new generation of leaders to oversee operations, mentor officers and implement departmental priorities.

Deputy chiefs serve among the department’s highest-ranking officials, assisting the chief with strategic planning and daily operations. Majors oversee major divisions or bureaus, while captains command patrol districts, investigative units and specialized teams.

The Tallahassee Police Department said the newly promoted leaders will help guide the agency through its next chapter while continuing its mission of protecting the community and maintaining public safety.

Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) has secured an $88 million contract from the U.S. Navy to develop advanced modeling, simulation and testing capabilities for the next generation of shipboard power and energy systems through 2031.

“FSU’s Center for Advanced Power Systems is a national leader in highly specialized research and development that supports the U.S. Navy’s most advanced technology needs,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This major award reflects the Navy’s confidence in FSU’s expertise and underscores the important role our university plays in advancing power systems research with real-world impact.”

CAPS is led by Interim Director Sastry Pamidi, a professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. CAPS research faculty members Harsha Ravindra and James Langston are leading the new effort.

The contract, awarded by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), will support a broad research and development effort for the Navy.

Through the project, CAPS will develop digital models and architectures for advanced ship systems and evaluate next-generation electrical power and energy systems before they are implemented on physical vessels.

“Modern naval vessels are essentially moving microgrids, facing energy demands that were unimaginable a few decades ago,” Ravindra said. “This partnership with NAVSEA allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modeling and simulation (M&S) as well as testing of advanced power system components in controller- and power- hardware-in-the-loop environment for shipboard electrical design, rapid prototyping and deployment on ships. The expertise provided by CAPS supports the Navy in design and risk reduction of ships that are faster, more resilient, and exponentially more energy efficient.”

The work is expected to be completed by June 9, 2031, with options that could provide the university an additional $11.5 million in funding for a cumulative $99.5 million award. CAPS also will collaborate with its extensive national network of partners on individual projects that support the broader research agenda.

“Collaborating with leading institutions and industry partners across the country requires a deeply integrated approach,” Langston said. “CAPS has the unique infrastructure, expertise and computational power to serve as the anchor for this nationwide research effort. It’s incredibly rewarding to lead a project that tackles real-world engineering challenges that directly impact national security.”

CAPS and the Navy have a long-standing history of collaboration.

Established in 2000 with support from the Office of Naval Research, CAPS has spent more than 25 years advancing power systems technology. During that time, the center has secured hundreds of millions in grants, trained more than 100 doctoral students who have gone on to careers in academia and industry and pioneered more than 60 patented technologies.

In 2016, CAPS became the first university test site accredited by the U.S. Navy to perform power hardware-in-the-loop simulation testing of megawatt-scale power equipment for surface combatants.

Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson said the award reflects the caliber of CAPS researchers and the center’s world-class capabilities.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Ravindra, Dr. Langston, Dr. Pamidi and the entire CAPS team for their leadership and hard work,” Patterson said. “Through this partnership with NAVSEA, FSU is helping shape the future of naval power systems, advancing national security innovation and demonstrating how our researchers translate groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions.”

The action, approved during the board’s July 14 meeting, extends beyond the one-year pause initially proposed by Commission Chair Christian Caban last month. The temporary moratorium halts the processing of development applications for qualifying large-scale data centers while the county evaluates whether changes to its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code are needed.

Commissioners said the additional time will allow the county to examine issues including electricity demand, water consumption, land-use compatibility, environmental impacts and infrastructure needs associated with large-scale data centers, which have become increasingly common as artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive demand for computing capacity.

The vote follows the commission’s June direction to prepare a moratorium ordinance. Similar temporary moratoriums have been adopted or considered by several Florida communities as local governments weigh the facilities’ economic benefits against their significant utility and infrastructure demands.

The grant, administered through the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, would have provided funding for Flock camera systems in Wakulla, Jefferson, Liberty and Taylor counties. Although the cameras were intended for installation outside Leon County, the proposal generated significant public opposition from residents who urged commissioners not to facilitate the technology’s expansion. Commissioners ultimately voted to remove the Flock funding from a larger homeland security grant package while approving the remaining grant requests.

Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers capture images of license plates and use artificial intelligence to identify a vehicle’s make, model, color, body style and other distinguishing features. Law enforcement agencies use the systems to investigate crimes, locate stolen vehicles and receive alerts when vehicles connected to criminal investigations are detected. Supporters say the technology has become an effective investigative tool, while critics argue it creates an expansive surveillance network capable of tracking the movements of law-abiding citizens.

Several residents spoke against the proposal during the commission meeting, raising concerns about privacy, civil liberties and the security of data collected by the camera network. Speakers questioned whether the benefits of the technology outweighed the risks associated with expanding automated surveillance and storing vehicle location data.

Commissioners echoed many of those concerns. Commissioner Christian Caban said he supports law enforcement but opposes the widespread deployment of automated license plate readers, describing the systems as an invasion of privacy. Other commissioners acknowledged the technology’s value in solving crimes but said they were uncomfortable with Leon County helping expand its use into neighboring jurisdictions.

The local debate reflects a broader national conversation over the balance between public safety and personal privacy. According to Flock Safety, its camera network is used by thousands of law enforcement agencies and communities across nearly every state to recover stolen vehicles, locate missing persons and assist criminal investigations. At the same time, organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union have warned that widespread deployment of automated license plate readers can enable mass surveillance and raise concerns about data retention, access and misuse. Recent reviews of Flock camera programs in cities including Los Angeles have highlighted those same issues as agencies reconsider the technology’s privacy implications.

In addition to rejecting the grant, commissioners directed county staff to return in September with an analysis of whether Leon County has the legal authority to regulate, prohibit or require the removal of Flock cameras within the county. The review is expected to examine the county’s legal options as communities across Florida and the nation continue to debate the role of automated surveillance technology.

Board members voted to approve the district’s partnership with an international teacher recruitment program, allowing Leon County Schools to hire educators from abroad to fill difficult-to-staff positions. District officials have said the program helps recruit certified teachers in subject areas where local applicants remain in short supply while providing a cultural exchange experience for students and staff.

The board also unanimously approved hiring Caissa Public Strategies to lead a targeted student recruitment and retention campaign aimed at bringing former Leon County Schools students back to the district. According to the agenda item, the district will utilize a cooperative purchasing agreement originally established by the Houston Independent School District for communications support services.

Under the agreement, Caissa will contact families of students who previously attended Leon County Schools and encourage them to re-enroll. The company will be compensated based on results rather than a flat fee, receiving $935 for each former student who returns and is counted in the district’s October full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment survey. If a student re-enrolls and is first counted during the February FTE survey, the company will receive $450, provided it has not already been paid for that student.

The student recruitment effort comes as Leon County Schools continues to experience declining enrollment, a trend that directly affects district funding because Florida distributes education dollars largely based on student enrollment. District leaders hope the outreach campaign will reconnect with families who have left the school system while highlighting the programs and services available in Leon County Schools.

Together, the two unanimous votes reflect the board’s strategy of investing in both the workforce needed to educate students and the enrollment needed to sustain the district’s long-term financial stability.